Kanguru eco drive promises low-power data storage

October 21, 2008 Billed as the most energy efficient hard drive on the market, Kanguru Solutions' 1-terabyte Eco Drive automatically gauges hard drive usage and uses three different operation modes to reduce power consumption by up to 75 percent.

Idle mode operates at 80% of capacity after it is inactive for three seconds. Standby mode switches on after three minutes (10-20% of normal consumption) and Power Down mode activates after five minutes (5-10% of normal consumption). This system also extends the life of the hard drive itself according to Kanguru.

The Kanguru Eco Drive is compatible with Windows 98 to Vista and current versions Mac OS X and the design is RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliant, meaning it restricts the use of hazardous chemicals like lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB and PBDE flame retardants.

The USB2.0, 3.5" Eco Drive range starts at USD$79.95 for the 80GB version and the 1 TB model costs USD$189.95. Accessories include a custom carry case, vertical stand and NTI Backup NOW! 4 OEM version software.